The Hardware Research 604e/233 DP was one of the few officially licensed dual-processor Mac clones built during Apple’s short-lived clone era. Launched in early 1998, this rackmount system was tailored for professionals needing high-performance Mac OS computing in audio/visual studios, labs, or server environments.
Built on Apple’s Tsunami architecture, the Hardware Research 604e/233 DP came with dual 233 MHz PowerPC 604e processors, either 64 MB or 80 MB of RAM, a 4.0 GB SCSI hard drive, and a 4 MB ATI XCLAIM 3D graphics card. Unlike desktop Macs of its time, it featured a 19″ rackmount chassis with six PCI slots and support for Mac OS 7.5.5 through 9.0 (though only officially supported up to Mac OS 8.1).
This model offered excellent expandability and raw power, ideal for compute-heavy applications. At a price of $5,400 USD, it stood out as a top-tier option for organizations needing rack-based Macintosh computing.
Hardware Research 604e/233 DP – Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction Date | January 1, 1998 |
| Discontinued Date | December 31, 1998 |
| Processor Type | PowerPC 604e (Dual) |
| Processor Speed | 233 MHz (each) |
| Processor Upgrade | Daughtercard |
| FPU (Integrated) | PowerPC 604e |
| System Bus Speed | 46.6 MHz |
| Lookaside Bus Speed | 46.6 MHz |
| ROM Size | 4 MB |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
| Level 1 Cache | 64 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 512 KB |
| RAM Type | 70 ns 168-pin DIMM |
| Standard RAM | 64 MB or 80 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 1040 MB |
| RAM Slots | 8 (interleaving supported for faster performance) |
| Standard VRAM | 4 MB (ATI XCLAIM 3D) |
| Maximum VRAM | 8 MB |
| VRAM Type | Video card |
| Hard Drive | 4.0 GB SCSI |
| Standard CD-ROM | 12X or 24X |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44 MB (manual) |
| Modem | Not Included |
| Ethernet | AAUI, 10Base-T |
| Case Type | Rack-Mountable |
| Form Factor | 19″ Rackmount |
| Expansion Slots | 6 PCI |
| Expansion Bays (Free) | 1 external 5.25″ bay |
| Battery Type | 3.6V Lithium |
| Built-in Display | None |
| Supported Mac OS | System 7.5.5 to 9.0 (officially supported to 8.1) |
| Dimensions | 10 x 17.25 x 17.75 inches (H x W x D) |
| Average Weight | 52 lbs (23.6 kg) |
| Original Price | $5,400 USD |
| Estimated Current Value | N/A – Rare Collector’s Unit |
| Architecture | Tsunami (Power Macintosh 9500 based) |
Why the Hardware Research 604e/233 DP Mattered
The Hardware Research 604e/233 DP wasn’t just a Mac clone—it was an elite option for power users who needed performance and flexibility in a professional rack environment. Its dual-processor capability made it ideal for multithreaded workflows, while the Tsunami-based logic board ensured compatibility with a wide range of Mac OS applications.
Even though Apple ended the clone program in 1998, machines like this prove that open hardware licensing could have driven innovative Mac-based hardware far beyond desktop and consumer use cases.
